I've heard many explicatives from neighbors getting in and out of their cars, only to step in the mess, and they would look over to my house as though it's my fault. We have two strips of lawn, one along the front of our house, and one on the side, and they are pretty lengthy at that. But each time I see a dog owner walking their dogs, I check to see if they are carrying a bag to clean up with.

For the most part, they do, but there are always those who feel it's not important since it's not their lawn, or use the spaces to park their own vehicles. After hearing so many gripes, and taking abuse from some who feel I should clean up the mess because it's on my property, I decided to take action.

I hooked up two cameras that switched back and forth so as to cover both strips of lawn, and hooked them to a DVD recorder. Together with motion detectors, I was able to see who was and who wasn't abiding by the town ordinance. Once I saw who was constantly scoffing the law, I took notice as to the time they would walk their dogs, and it was usually around the same time each day, so it was easy to be ready for them.

I put a "pick up after sign," along with the price of the fine in plain sight, so that there was no mistaking what they should do, and much to my surprise, most changed their ways and decided to follow protocol. However there were those who simply ignored the signs and went ahead with their dirty business.

Once I was sure who they were, I would sneak around so as to see where they headed to find out the address they reside at. For those, I simply picked up the poo with a small hand shovel, and walked up to their door and placed it right at their door step. A few times after finding it there, they got the message.

One individual came knocking on my door all upset, and ready for bear. I then told him to settle down, and I'd be happy to talk to him about it. I first asked if he saw me place it on his doorstep. He said "no, but it had to be you because it was on your property." "Ahh" I said, so you admit that it's your dog, and your refusal to obey the town ordinance. "What's it to you" he growled, and I said "everything."

All the neighbors who have to step in your neglect, look at me as though it's my fault, and after explaining that we don't have dogs, and that we have to contend with the same thing when we park in the street, they then relaxed their attitude towards me, but not towards those who violate the law.

So, I simply pointed out your address, as I have videos of you letting your dog mess up without you picking it up. This angered him even more, now so because he hasn't a clue who the neighbors might be that are seeking revenge. I said look, calm down, it's your fault, if you don't want to accept it, that's fine with me, but expect a $300.00 fine if someone sends in a video of you letting your dog mess, and you just walking away.

These neighbors mean business I said, and that is why you are being targeted. So why don't you avoid a hefty fine, and do the neighbors a favor by taking care of business instead of making yourself the victim. It was funny to watch him look around from that point on, as if he was trying to see who might be peeking out their windows. I have the last laugh, because I can watch from inside my home on my TV.

A more direct approach is to knock on their door once you know who it is and where they live, and simply let them know they are being observed every time they do it, and they should take notice or face a fine. Problem solved. Now if only there were a way to stop the cats from roaming around, decorating our lawn. Thats just as bad if not worse than dog poo.

Learn more about this author, Richard Serra.
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